Your bed is your sanctuary. It’s your place of rest and rejuvenation, so your mattress should be as comfortable as possible. But don’t forget about your bed sheets! We’ve put together this bed sheet thread count guide to help you find the perfect sheets for your sleep sanctuary.
When choosing the right type and brand of bed sheets, many advertisements want you to believe that the higher the thread count, the more luxurious the sheets. But is that really true?
Not necessarily. In this bed sheet thread count guide, we'll break down the criteria you should be using to choose the right bed sheets (because you deserve your best rest).
What is Bed Sheet Thread Count?
A bed sheet’s thread count is the number of threads woven in one square-inch of the fabric, both lengthwise (warp) and widthwise (weft). Essentially, it tells you how tight the weave of the fabric is. But keep in mind that thread count is only applicable to cotton sheets. Other types of sheets use different measurements to determine the fabric quality.
And while thread count can give you a general idea of the feel and quality of the sheets, it’s only one part of the equation. So when it’s time to replace your sheets, use this bed sheet thread count guide to find the sheets that are right for you.
Why is Bed Sheet Thread Count Important?
For the most part, sheets with a higher thread count will feel softer and be more durable, but there are other factors at play as well. A bed sheet made of higher-quality materials, but with a lower thread count, will likely feel and perform better than a higher thread-count sheet made of low-quality materials.
Some manufacturers will also artificially inflate their thread count numbers by using low-quality thread or twisting multiple threads together. In addition, some types of bed sheets, like flannel and microfiber, don’t have thread counts at all—they’re measured in grams per square meter (GSM).
In this bed sheet thread count guide, we’ll go over all the aspects you should look at when choosing sheets, including the fiber, weave, overall quality, and of course, thread count.
Choosing the Right Thread Count for Your Needs
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what thread count is best, but as a general rule, you should look for sheets with a thread count in the 200-600 range. There are plenty of manufacturers advertising 800, 1,000, or even 1,200+ thread counts, but the difference in feel and softness is negligible after 600.
Ultimately, the best thread count for you depends on your personal preferences, your budget, and the type of mattress you have. If you’re looking for the softest sheets possible, you may want to choose a thread count of 400 or higher. But if you like sheets with a little more texture—or you’re on a budget—you can find plenty of fantastic sheets with 200-300 thread counts.
However, you should keep your mattress in mind too. If you have an all-memory foam mattress, like the Leesa Original, lower thread count sheets can stick to it (which isn’t ideal). You may want to choose sheets with a thread count of at least 300. But don’t go too high either, or your mattress won’t be able to breathe, and you’ll be turning down the thermostat all night.
Tips for Choosing Bed Sheets
Next up in our bed sheet thread count guide is tips for choosing the right bed sheets. You’ve already learned all about thread counts, so when shopping for new sheets, make sure you take these factors into account as well.
Fabric—You can find sheets made from almost every type of fiber imaginable, from pure silk to polyester. But for a combination of luxury and durability, look for sheets made of Egyptian cotton or bamboo. Our bamboo cotton sheets are made from a 300-thread count blend of sustainable bamboo and cotton.
Weave—There are two different weaves commonly used for bed sheets: sateen and percale. A sateen weave gives sheets a dense, silky-smooth feeling, while percale delivers that light, crisp feeling. Sateen sheets are usually sturdier and more durable, so they won’t pill or tear. Plus, they get softer over time as you wash and use them!
Workmanship—Of course, high thread counts and quality fabric don’t matter much if the workmanship is poor. Be sure to check out the seams and elastic to make sure the sheets are made well and will hold up to regular use.
Reviews—If you’re shopping for bed sheets online, some of these aspects can be hard to verify. That’s where reviews come in. Read what actual users have to say about the sheets, and pay particular attention to reviews that have been updated after a period of use. They can tell you a lot about the quality and durability you can expect.
Color and pattern—Finally, choose a color and style that you like and that coordinates with your bedroom décor. You can get the softest sheets in the world and end up hating them because they clash with your color scheme or make you feel like you’re at your grandma’s house.
Caring for Bed Sheets
Once you’ve used our bed sheet thread count guide to find your perfect sheets, it’s important to take care of them properly. Always wash your sheets in cold water on a gentle cycle, using a mild detergent. For stubborn stains, use a gentle additive or pretreatment, rather than your washing machine’s steam setting.
Air-drying is best but not the most convenient. You can tumble dry your sheets, just make sure you use low heat and remove them as soon as they’re dry. Avoid using any fabric softeners as well, as they can make sheets feel stiff.
Ideally, you should wash your sheets once a week. We know, more laundry, right? But to make your life easier, get multiple sets once you’ve found your perfect sheets using our bed sheet thread count guide. That way, when it’s time to change them, you can just throw the used ones in the laundry hamper and have a fresh, clean set ready to go. You’ll get to them eventually. We’re not judging.
Upgrade Your Sleep Experience with Luxurious Sheets from Leesa
There you have it—your complete bed sheet thread count guide, covering everything you should look for when choosing a new set of sheets. Use these tips to find the perfect bed sheets for your needs and budget, and don’t forget to care for them the right way.
It might take time and a little research, but with our bed sheet thread count guide, you’ll be able to find sheets that are soft, durable, and comfortable, and give you a good night's sleep. Or just grab a set of our bamboo cotton sheets.
